The HSE is currently offering the swine flu vaccine to children aged 5 years to 18 years of age. Even though overall swine flu rates have reduced recently, we are still seeing cases, and want to be be prepared for a possible second or later wave of infection - as was experienced in previous pandemics. Rates among children are still higher than in adults, so it is important offer the vaccine to as many children as possible.

Getting the vaccine protects your child from Swine Flu, and it also protects the people around them. If they don't get flu, they can't pass it on to their family, friends or someone close to them who is not in full health. So, the more people that get the vaccine, the less flu gets passed around.

Giving vaccines to children in schools is the most efficient way to vaccinate such a large group of children, and the HSE as already begun to visit schools to vaccinate students. We are visiting larger schools first, to maximise the number of children that can be protected at each visit. Both secondary and primary schools are being visited.

As we move into smaller schools, we may ask that a group of these schools come together in one school locally to be vaccinated by the HSE team, or ask students to come to a HSE vaccination clinic. Please note that if your child is vaccinated at a HSE clinic, parents of under 16 year olds must sign the consent form for vaccination.

Each school will be sent a supply of information packs for parents in advance of the HSE Vaccination Team's visit. The pack is provided on this page (link on the upper right section of this page) for information purposes, but parents should be aware they will receive a printed copy from their school in time. When you receive the pack, please fill in the consent form and return it to the school, whether you give or refuse consent. Students aged 16 years and over can sign their own consent form. Parents can also read the manufacturer's Patient Information Leaflet for the Pandemrix Swine Flu Vaccine on this page.

Why are children aged 5-18 getting the vaccine now?
We want to make sure that we protect as many children as possible from the effects of the flu. Children in this age group are more at risk than adults of getting Swine Flu and also are more at risk of being hospitalised from flu complications.

Is the Swine Flu vaccine safe?
Yes. Two Swine Flu vaccines are being used in Ireland, called Pandemrix and Celvapan. Both are licensed by the Irish Medicines Board and have been given to millions of people across Europe already this year. Reactions have been as expected and similar to seasonal flu vaccines. Serious side effects or allergic reactions are very rare and the Swine Flu vaccine cannot give you Swine Flu.


What if my child has had Swine Flu, or a Swine Flu vaccine already?
If your child has had the flu since April, they should still get the vaccine, as it may not have been Swine Flu. If they have a confirmed positive laboratory test for Swine Flu they do not need the vaccine. If your child has a medical condition, they may have already received their first Swine Flu vaccine either from your GP or HSE clinic. If so, you should return there for their second dose and don't need to proceed with the school vaccination.

How long does it take the vaccine to work?
The vaccine starts to work within two weeks.

How many doses will my child need?
Children aged over 6 months will only need one dose of vaccine of the Pandemrix vaccine. The only exception to this is people with immunosuppression who will require two doses of this vaccine.

Children who have the Celvapan vaccine will need a second dose, and if this is needed, and the HSE will inform you when it is available. The Celvapan vaccine is unlikely to be used less in schools for this reason, but will be available from the HSE for people with severe egg allergy.

Is there anyone who cannot get the Swine Flu vaccine?
The vaccine should not be given to children under 6 months of age, and should not be given to a child who has a temperature over 38ºC. If a child has a severe allergy to eggs, they can have the Celvapan vaccine, as the Pandemrix vaccine is made using eggs. The Celvapan vaccine is not likely to be available at your school, but for egg allergy sufferers, it will be available through a HSE clinic. If you child has any other severe allergies or has previously had Guillain Barré Syndrome, you should note this on the consent form.

Can my child have the swine flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?
The swine flu vaccine is an inactivated vaccine and can be given at the same time as other childhood vaccines. When swine flu vaccine is given at the same time as other vaccines it should be given into a different limb. There may be more local reactions such as pain, swelling or redness and fever is also more likely when the vaccines are given at the same time.

What can we expect after vaccination?
The most common side effects will be mild and may include soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given. Headache, fever, aches, a mild rash and tiredness may occur. Some people may have mild sweating and shivering as their immune system responds to the vaccine, but this is not Swine Flu and will pass after a day or so. Severe or life threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare.

What if my child doesn't feel well after vaccination?
Give them paracetamol or ibuprofen if they have a fever or any pain where the injection was given. Avoid clothes rubbing against the injection area and drink plenty of fluids. Remember, if a child is unwell after getting a vaccine, don't assume the vaccine is the cause - it could be for some other reason, and take medical advice if needed.

Do I have to pay for the vaccine?
The vaccine and its administration are free of charge for everyone.

To book a visit to a HSE Clinic for your vaccine, find a list of HSE Vaccine Clinics here.

Read more information about Vaccine Safety here.